Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of ship recycling management, aims to instill confidence that the certification process has been carried out in a competent, consistent and reliable manner. The document will facilitate the recognition of accredited certification bodies and the acceptance of their certifications on an international basis.

Capt. Charles Piersall, chair of ISO technical committee that developed the standard, ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology, commented: "The concern of potential environmental and human worker health and safety impact necessitates this independent certification because it provides confidence to the facility and its workers, environmentalists, the ship owner, governments, regulatory bodies and the general public that a ship recycling management system conforms to internationally harmonized requirements, is capable of consistently achieving its stated policy and objectives and is effectively implemented.

The document is targeted at third-party audit and certification bodies but can be of value to others involved in the assessment of management systems for the recycling of ships of all types and sizes, in both international and domestic trade.